Dedicated to one of the principal deities of Hinduism, Jyotirlingas are revered temples where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the supreme deity. These shrines hold immense religious significance as they are believed to be direct manifestations of Lord Shiva himself. Spread across India, the twelve Jyotirlingas form some of the holiest pilgrimage sites, drawing countless devotees every year.

Among these twelve, five are located in Maharashtra and are collectively known as the Panch Jyotirlinga. These temples are considered an essential part of the state’s spiritual circuit and attract large numbers of devotees, especially during Mahashivratri.

# Bhimashankar Temple

Located about 123 km from Pune, Bhimashankar Temple is nestled in the scenic Sahyadri ranges along the River Bhima and surrounded by the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, making it both a spiritual and trekking destination.

This Jyotirlinga gets its name from Bhima, the son of Kumbhakarna (from the Ramayana). While the current structure was fortified in the 18th century by Nana Phadnavis—who added the Sabhamandap (assembly hall) and the Shikhara (tower)—the temple itself is mentioned in texts as far back as the 13th century.

Built in the Nagara style of architecture with hints of Rajasthani and Gujarati influences, its outer walls are adorned with carvings from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Krishna Leela, and Shiva Leela. During Mahashivratri, the temple witnesses a massive gathering of Shiva devotees.

# Trimbakeshwar Temple

Just 28 km from Nashik, Trimbakeshwar Temple sits at the foothills of Brahmagiri, Nilagiri, and Kalagiri, near the sacred River Godavari. Constructed in the 17th century by Peshwa ruler Balaji Baji Rao, the temple is built entirely from black stone.

The highlight of this shrine is the unique Shivalinga with three faces symbolizing the Hindu trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is adorned with precious stones and a bejeweled crown. Apart from Lord Shiva, the temple houses deities like Goddess Ganga, Lord Rama, Krishna, Parasurama, Lakshmi Narayana, and others.

Nearby lies the holy Kushavarta Kund, a 21-ft-deep pond built in 1750, believed to be the origin point of the River Godavari.

# Grishneshwar Temple

Situated near Aurangabad, close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Temple is the smallest of all Jyotirlingas. The temple, originally dating back before the 13th century, was reconstructed in the 18th century by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar after facing repeated invasions.

Built using red and black stone, the temple features a towering five-storey Shikhara and follows the South Indian architectural style. Intricate carvings of gods and goddesses cover its walls, with the most notable being the Dashavatara (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) carved in red stone. The temple also houses a striking idol of Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull.

# Aundha Nagnath Temple

Located in Hingoli district, Aundha Nagnath Temple is believed to have been originally built by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, during their exile. The present structure showcases the Hemadpanthi style of architecture and has been restored multiple times by dynasties such as the Chalukyas, Yadavas, and later by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.

The temple’s Jyotirlinga lies below ground level and can be reached via a flight of steps. Its architecture reflects influences from different periods, especially the Peshwa era. This shrine draws maximum devotees during Mahashivratri and Vijayadashami.

# Parli Vaidyanath Temple

Located in Beed district, Parli Vaidyanath Temple (or Parli Vaijnath) completes the Panch Jyotirlinga circuit in Maharashtra. Built during the Yadava dynasty and later renovated by Ahilyabai Holkar, the temple stands majestically at 75 feet above ground. Constructed in the Hemadpanthi style, the sanctum and assembly hall lie on the same level, allowing devotees an easy view of the Jyotirlinga.

The Jyotirlinga here is made of Saligram stone and is linked to several legends. One story recounts its connection with the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), where Lord Vishnu concealed the divine treasures, including Amrit, in a Shivalinga. Another tale narrates how Ravana’s devotion led to him receiving the Jyotirlinga, only for it to be placed permanently at Parli after a shepherd set it down during Ravana’s journey.

The temple is especially vibrant during Mahashivratri, Ekadashi, and Vijayadashami, when thousands of devotees gather to seek blessings.